UNILAG student wins top prize in startup pitch competition

Barnabas Peter, a 300-level student at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), emerged as the top winner at the Start-up Pitch Competition of the Project Innovation 2 Marketing (I2M) Accelerated Incubator Programme. His innovative venture, Travaye, is a digital platform designed to assist tourists, low-income earners, and individuals in finding exciting places to visit.

The competition, organised by the Innovation Technology Management Office (ITMO) at UNILAG, took place on Friday, November 3, 2023. The event showcased the entrepreneurial brilliance of young minds from across the country who had participated in a rigorous 6-week incubation program to hone their business acumen and entrepreneurial skills.

The closing ceremony of the event was attended by Engineer Jennifer Adighije, the Senior Special Assistant on Digital Economy, Communication, and Innovation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, highlighting the government’s support for budding entrepreneurs in the country.

The event also featured other entrepreneurs, including Mrs. Chiemela Anosike of Solaris.ng, focusing on renewable energy, and Sunday-Dogo Peter of Gonana, an Agro-business platform.

Engineer Adighije emphasized the importance of innovation as a key driver of economic growth and competitiveness, encouraging the incubatees to focus on offering value rather than chasing money.

She also mentioned government plans to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and drive economic growth through the growing youthful population.

Professor Folasade Ogunsola, the Vice-Chancellor of UNILAG, praised the talents on display and highlighted the university’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.

Dr. Abiodun Gbenga-Ilori, the Director of the Innovation and Technology Management Office (ITMO), emphasized the significance of the I2M Accelerated Incubator Programme and announced financial awards for participants to support their entrepreneurial journey.

The event also received support from Research and Innovation Systems for Africa (RISA), UKAID, and Paystack, enabling innovators and researchers to transform their ideas into market-ready products and services.